It is possible for a tooth fragment (or remnant) to become displaced from its original location but still remain within the body. In some cases, a small root fragment may need to be removed if it causes complications. This is especially true when the fragment is near a nerve or adjacent to a sensitive area, such as the maxillary sinus. Removing the remaining root structure can sometimes pose risks to surrounding tissues, so an oral surgeon carefully evaluates the benefits and risks before proceeding. X-rays are commonly used to detect and assess these remnants.
If a tooth fragment enters the nasal cavity, flushing the area with saline may help retrieve it by bringing it back to the original entry point. In other cases, a surgical procedure known as a Caldwell-Luc operation may be necessary. Occasionally, small root or tooth fragments may emerge on their own after several weeks and can often be retrieved either naturally or with assistance from a dentist or oral surgeon.
Tooth Displacement into Other Areas
A displaced tooth or fragment can migrate to various locations within the body, including the maxillary sinus, infratemporal fossa, submandibular space, pterygomandibular space, lateral pharyngeal space, lateral cervical region, and buccal space. In rare instances, a tooth may be aspirated into the respiratory tract, which can lead to aspiration pneumonitis, pneumonia, leukopenia, or, in severe cases, life-threatening complications. Alternatively, if a tooth is swallowed, it will likely pass through the digestive system and be expelled naturally within a few days.
When a tooth or root fragment enters the maxillary sinus, saline irrigation may help bring it back to the original entry site, making retrieval possible. If this method is unsuccessful, a Caldwell-Luc procedure may be required to access and remove the fragment.
Wisdom Tooth Displacement and Jaw Pain
A displaced maxillary wisdom tooth that migrates into the infratemporal fossa may cause persistent infection or remain asymptomatic. Extracting a wisdom tooth from this location can be particularly challenging and carries risks such as excessive bleeding or damage to nearby structures. In such cases, antibiotics, imaging, and surgical intervention may be necessary. However, there is no universal treatment approach, as management depends on the specific condition of the patient.
Additionally, impacted or displaced wisdom teeth can contribute to jaw pain, particularly when they exert pressure on surrounding nerves and tissues. This can lead to symptoms such as swelling, difficulty chewing, and radiating pain in the jaw and adjacent areas. Proper diagnosis through imaging and clinical evaluation is essential to determine the best course of action, which may include pain management, antibiotics, or surgical removal of the wisdom tooth.
